Stop, row unit for an agricultural planter, and downforce control system

Abstract

The present invention relates to precision agriculture. More specifically, the invention relates to a stop for a depth-adjustment mechanism of a row unit of a planter. The stop forms part of an agricultural implement, wherein the implement comprises a plurality of row units, each row unit of the plurality of row units being provided with a depth-adjustment mechanism, each of the depth-adjustment mechanisms comprising a stop, a pair of depth wheels, and a depth-adjustment device; wherein the stop comprises a base provided with a stress-concentration region; a strain sensor positioned in the stress-concentration region; and a central opening; wherein the stop receives a load resulting from the loading on the depth wheel; and wherein the strain sensors generate a load signal corresponding to the deformation of the stop resulting from the applied load.

Description

[0001] "STOPPER, LINE FOR AN AGRICULTURAL PLANTER AND DOWNWARD FORCE CONTROL SYSTEM"

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to precision agriculture. More specifically, the invention relates to a stop for a depth adjustment mechanism of a planter row.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005]

[0002] Planters are widely used as agricultural implements for planting crops. These implements comprise a plurality of planting rows, each of which includes a depth adjustment mechanism to adjust the depth of the furrow opening.

[0006]

[0003] The mechanism comprising a pair of depth wheels, a depth adjustment device and a stop, in which the stop is coupled to the adjustment device and aims to limit the height of the depth wheel. The depth adjustment device functions to pre-select a depth for the depth wheels, which determines the height of the furrow opening in the soil for sowing.

[0007]

[0004] Furthermore, the lines may comprise a device for adjusting the downward force that the wheels exert on the ground, since if the downward force is excessive, this will cause excessive soil compaction, which may result in inadequate crop growth. The device may utilize springs, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems and / or other structures that form an actuator, so that when the downward force adjustment device is activated, the downward force adjustment device pushes the line downwards and consequently pushes the wheels deeper into the ground.

[0008]

[0005] In the state of the art, one way to better determine the downward force was the use of load sensors, as described in document BR112023014734-4 A2, which describes a downward force load sensor for planter rows. The row comprises a furrow opening assembly, a depth adjustment mechanism, and calibrating wheels. The mechanism comprises a depth selector equipped with a rod, to which a stop is attached. The stop is in contact with an arm of the calibrating wheel. A load sensor is attached to the rod and its function is to detect the load applied by the stop to the rod, generating load signals that correspond to the downward force applied to the soil by the calibrating wheels.

[0009]

[0006] Document US20220022366 A1 describes a line for a planting machine. The line comprises a structure comprising a depth wheel and a seed metering device. The line further comprises a depth stop assembly which includes a stop that defines the upward limit of the depth wheel's ascent relative to the structure, and a lever that locks and releases the stop's movement, selecting between various seeding depths. A downward force actuator is operable to generate a variable amount of downward force applied through an arm of the depth wheel. A downward force sensor is coupled to the depth stop assembly and moves with the assembly.

[0010]

[0007] The depth stop assembly comprises a body with several parts, having a first part that receives the lever and a second part that defines a pivot, joining the depth stop assembly to the structure. The first part of the body comprises a lever-receiving portion, a fixing portion for fixing the second part of the body adjacent to the pivot, and a portion between the lever-receiving portion and the fixing portion, forming a housing for the downward force sensor.

[0011]

[0008] Document US10548254 B2 describes a system for monitoring and adjusting the downward force on a planter. The planter comprises vertically adjustable regulating wheels relative to the furrow opening disc by a height adjustment arm articulated from a pin. The pin is a load-sensing pin comprising four support points and is intended to detect the load applied transversely to its longitudinal axis. The sensor generates load signals that correspond to the tension exerted on the pin by the applied load. The load signal is analyzed by the system and then the downward force of the planter is adjusted.

[0012]

[0009] Such prior art documents have the same drawbacks, namely, one of the drawbacks found in such documents refers to the fact that the location where the sensor is placed is a location with low deformation, causing the sensor reading to be inaccurate.

[0013]

[0010] Furthermore, the elements in which the sensor is placed have low resistance, causing them to break during use, which is undesirable for the user.

[0014]

[0011] Thus, there is no element in the state of the art that has high resistance and provides a more accurate reading of the sensor, so that the depth of groove opening is always regular.

[0015] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016]

[0012] In order to overcome the drawbacks found in the depth adjustment mechanisms present in the prior art, the present invention provides a stop for an agricultural implement, the implement comprising a plurality of rows, wherein each of the plurality of rows is provided with a depth adjustment mechanism, each of the depth adjustment mechanisms comprising a stop, a pair of depth wheels and a depth adjustment device; the stop comprising: a base provided with a stress concentration region; at least two strain sensors disposed in the stress concentration region; a central opening; wherein the stop receives a load resulting from the loading on the depth wheel; and wherein the strain sensors generate a load signal corresponding to the deformation of the stop resulting from the applied load.

[0017]

[0013] According to further or alternative embodiments of the invention, the following features, alone or in technically feasible combinations, may also be present:

[0018] - the stress concentration region is a recess (in order to allow a better reading from the sensor due to the deformation of the stop);

[0019] - The central opening is capable of pivoting the door frame;

[0020] - the stop is made of a material with elastic deformation in the range of

[0021] 0.05% to 0.3%, preferably 0.2%;

[0022] - The strain gauge is an extensometer;

[0023] - the strain gauge located in the recess of the base.

[0024]

[0014] The present invention also provides a stop for an agricultural implement comprising a central opening; and a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion interact directly with the support arms of the depth-limiting wheels.

[0025]

[0015] According to further or alternative embodiments of the invention, the following features, alone or in technically feasible combinations, may also be present:

[0026] Three forces are applied to the stop: a first force on the first lateral portion and a second lateral portion, respectively, and a third force on the central opening.

[0027] - the first and second forces are applied at a distance from the central opening greater than or equal to the inscribed diameter of the central opening;

[0028] - The material is aluminum;

[0029] - the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion limit the vertical travel of the arms.

[0016] The present invention also provides a line for an agricultural planter, the line is equipped with a depth adjustment mechanism, comprising a stop, a pair of depth wheels and a depth adjustment device; the stop is disposed on the depth wheel, the stop comprises: a base provided with a stress concentration region; at least two strain sensors disposed in the stress concentration region; a central opening; in which the stop receives a load resulting from the loading on the depth wheel; and in which the strain sensors generate a load signal corresponding to the deformation of the stop resulting from the applied load.

[0030]

[0017] According to further or alternative embodiments of the invention, the following features, alone or in technically feasible combinations, may also be present:

[0031] - the region of stress concentration is a depression;

[0032] - The central opening is capable of pivoting the door frame;

[0033] - the stop is made of a material with elastic deformation in the range of

[0034] 2%;

[0035] - The strain gauge is an extensometer;

[0036] - the strain gauge located in the recess of the base.

[0037]

[0018] The present invention further provides a downward force control system for an agricultural implement, the implement comprising a plurality of rows, wherein each of the plurality of rows is equipped with a depth wheel, the downward force control system comprises: a hydraulic actuator disposed in each of the plurality of rows; a stop disposed in the depth wheel, the stop comprises: a base provided with a stress concentration region; at least two strain sensors disposed in the stress concentration region; a central opening; wherein the stop receives a load resulting from the loading on the depth wheel; and wherein the strain sensors generate a load signal corresponding to the deformation of the stop resulting from the applied load.

[0038]

[0019] According to further or alternative embodiments of the invention, the following features, alone or in technically feasible combinations, may also be present:

[0039] - the region of stress concentration is a depression;

[0040] - The central opening is capable of pivoting the door frame;

[0041] - The door frame is made of a material with elastic deformation in the range of 2%;

[0042] - The strain gauge is an extensometer;

[0043] - The strain gauge is located in the recess of the base.

[0044] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045]

[0020] The objectives, advantages, technical and functional improvements of the invention will be better understood from reading the descriptions of its particular embodiments, given below with regard to the attached figures, which illustrate particular, and not limiting, embodiments, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an agricultural implement of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an agricultural implement of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an agricultural implement of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 4 shows a side view of a row of the agricultural implement of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 5 shows a side view of a line of the agricultural implement of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 6 shows a side view of a line of the agricultural implement of the present invention; Figure 7 shows a perspective and detail view of the line of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a door frame of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 9 shows a top view of the door frame of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a door frame of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 11 shows a front view of the door frame of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 12 shows a top view of the door frame of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 13 shows a top view and detail of the door frame of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the door frame of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 15 shows a top view of the door frame of the present invention; and

[0060] Figure 16 shows a graph of the forces exerted on the stop of the present invention.

[0061] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062]

[0021] The invention is now described with regard to its particular embodiments, with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures and description that follow, similar parts are marked with the same reference numbers. The figures are not necessarily to scale, i.e., certain features of the invention may be shown with exaggerated scale or in some schematic way, just as details of conventional elements may not be shown in order to illustrate this description more clearly and concisely.

[0063]

[0022] The present invention is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. Specific embodiments are described in detail and shown in the figures, it being understood that the description should be considered as an exemplification of the principles disclosed herein, and is not intended to be limited only to what is illustrated and described in this descriptive report. It should be recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments discussed below may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce the same technical effects.

[0064]

[0023] Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate an agricultural implement, more precisely, an agricultural planter 10 comprising a toolbar 17 and a plurality of rows 11 coupled to the toolbar 17.

[0065]

[0024] As can be seen in figures 4 to 6, each line 11 comprises a set of pantograph bars 18, where one end of the set 18 is coupled to the toolbar 17; a depth adjustment mechanism 12; and a hydraulic actuator 16.

[0066]

[0025] The depth adjustment mechanism 12 comprises a stop 1, a pair of depth wheels 13, fitted with a pair of support arms 15, and a depth adjustment device 14.

[0067]

[0026] The depth adjustment device 14 is connected to the stop 1, which, in turn, is arranged adjacent to the support arms 15 of the depth wheel 13, so that when the user determines the planting depth by means of the depth adjustment device 14, the stop 1 is moved together with the device 14, thus limiting the height of the depth wheel 13, since a portion of the support arms 15 will rest on the stop 1, as can be better seen in figure 7.

[0068]

[0027] Figures 8 and 9 show the stop 1, which comprises a base 2 with a stress concentration region 3; a central opening 5; a first lateral portion 7 and a second lateral portion 8.

[0069]

[0028] The central opening 5 is intended to be the coupling point of the stop 1 with the depth adjustment device 14 and also to allow the stop to pivot in relation to the depth adjustment device 14. In addition, the first lateral portion 7 and the second lateral portion 8 interact directly with the support arms 15 of the depth limiting wheels 13, as shown in figure 7, in order to limit the movement of the depth wheel 13.

[0070]

[0029] Furthermore, as can be seen in figures 8 to 12, the stress concentration region 3 is a recess 6 made between the base 2 and the first lateral portion 7 or the second lateral portion 8. In a preferred embodiment, the stop 1 comprises two stress concentration regions 3 and, consequently, two recesses 6, a first recess 6 made between the base 2 and the first lateral portion 7 and a second recess 6 made between the base 2 and the second lateral portion 8.

[0071]

[0030] A strain gauge 4 is placed in the recess 6 of the base 2, as can be seen in figures 10 to 13. The strain gauge 4 aims to generate a load signal corresponding to the deformation of the stop 1 resulting from the load applied by the load on the wheel depth 13.

[0072]

[0031] It should be noted that recess 6 is made with the aim of creating the stress concentration region 3 and thus allowing the creation of a location that enables a better reading of the sensor 4.

[0073]

[0032] Also, as can be seen in figure 13, strain gauge 4 is preferably an extensometer.

[0074]

[0033] In a first alternative embodiment, the strain sensor 4 comprises two extensometers arranged in the stress concentration region 3.

[0075]

[0034] In a second alternative embodiment, the strain gauge 4, 4' comprises four strain gauges, with two strain gauges arranged in a first stress concentration region 3 and two other strain gauges arranged in a second stress concentration region 3'.

[0076]

[0035] In a third alternative embodiment, the strain sensor 4 comprises four strain gauges arranged in the stress concentration region 3, two of which are for reading the strain measurement in the stress concentration region 3 and the other two for temperature compensation.

[0077]

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the strain gauge 4, 4' reads the strain gauges and generates a single load signal.

[0078]

[0037] Figure 16 illustrates a graph of the moment applied to the stop 1. As can be seen, three forces are applied to the stop 1, a first 20 on the first lateral portion 7; a second force 21 on the second lateral portion 8 and a third force 22 on the central opening 5, opposite to the first force 20 and second force 21.

[0079]

[0038] It should be noted that, in one embodiment of the invention, the first and second forces 20, 21 are applied at a distance from the central opening 5 greater than or equal to the inscribed diameter of the central opening 5.

[0080]

[0039] The stop 1 is preferably made of material with elastic deformation in the range of 0.05% to 0.3%, more preferably 0.2%. More specifically, the material from which the stop is made is preferably a metallic material, more preferably aluminum. It should be noted that other materials may be used, such as, for example, polymeric materials.

[0081]

[0040] The agricultural implement 10 further comprises a downward force control system 30 applied to row 11. The system 30 comprises a hydraulic actuator 16 disposed in each row 11 of the plurality of rows of the implement 10, wherein one end of the actuator 16 is coupled to the toolbar 17 and the other end is coupled to the pantograph bar assembly 18.

[0082]

[0041] When in operation, system 30 receives the load signal from the strain sensors 4, analyzes it by means of an ECU (not shown), and increases or decreases the force on the actuator 16, and consequently increases or decreases the force of the depth wheel.

[0042] Therefore, the present invention and its variations offer advantages in the planting process by avoiding losses and overcoming the other drawbacks of the prior art.

[0083]

[0043] This advantageously results in a stop that has high resistance.

[0084]

[0044] A stop is also advantageously achieved which provides a more accurate reading from the sensor, allowing the groove opening depth to always be regular.

[0085]

[0045] Although the invention has been described specifically in relation to particular embodiments, it should be understood that variations and modifications will be evident to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Consequently, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described, but is limited only by the appended claims, the scope of which shall include all equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A STOP (1) for an agricultural implement (10), the implement (10) comprising a plurality of rows (11), wherein each of the plurality of rows (11) is provided with a depth adjustment mechanism (12), each of the depth adjustment mechanisms (12) comprising a stop (1), a pair of depth wheels (13) and a depth adjustment device (14); the stop (1) being characterized in that it comprises: a base (2) provided with a stress concentration region (3); a strain sensor (4) disposed in the stress concentration region (3); a central opening (5); wherein the stop (1) receives a load resulting from the loading on the depth wheel (13); and wherein the strain sensors (4) generate a load signal corresponding to the deformation of the stop (1) resulting from the applied load.

2. STOP (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the stress concentration region (3) is a recess (6) (so as to allow better sensor reading due to stop deformation).

3. STOPPER (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the central opening (5) is capable of pivoting the stopper (1).

4. STOPPER (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the stopper (1) is made of a material with elastic deformation in the range of 0.05% to 0.3%, preferably 0.2%.

5. STOPPER (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the strain gauge (4) is an extensometer.

6. STOPPER (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the strain gauge (4) comprises at least two strain gauges.

7. STOPPER (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the strain sensor (4) is disposed in the recess (6) of the base (2).

8. STOP (1) for an agricultural implement (10) characterized in that it comprises a central opening (5); a first lateral portion (7) and a second lateral portion (8) interact directly with the support arms (15) of the depth limiting wheels (13).

9. STOPPER (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that three forces are applied to the stopper (20, 21, 22), a first and second force (20, 21) on the first lateral portion (7) and on the second lateral portion (8) respectively, and a third force (20) on the central opening (5).

10. STOPPER (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first and second forces (20, 21) are applied at a distance from the central opening (5) greater than or equal to the inscribed diameter of the central opening (5).

11. STOPPER (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the material is aluminum.

12. STOPPER (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the first lateral portion (7) and the second lateral portion (8) limit the travel of the arms (15) in the vertical direction.

13. LINE (11) FOR AN AGRICULTURAL PLANTER, the line (11) is equipped with a depth adjustment mechanism (12), comprising a stop (1), a pair of depth wheels (13) and a depth adjustment device (14); characterized in that the stop (1) is disposed on the depth wheel (13), the stop (1) comprises: a base (2) equipped with a tension concentration region (3); at least two strain sensors (4) arranged in the stress concentration region (3); a central opening (5); wherein the stop (1) receives a load resulting from the loading on the depth wheel (13); and wherein the strain sensors (4) generate a load signal corresponding to the strain of the stop (1) resulting from the applied load.

14. LINE (11) FOR AN AGRICULTURAL PLANTER according to claim 13, characterized in that the stress concentration region (3) is a recess (6).

15. LINE (11) FOR AN AGRICULTURAL PLANTER according to claim 13, characterized in that the central opening (5) is capable of pivoting the stop (1).

16. LINE (11) FOR AN AGRICULTURAL PLANTER according to claim 13, characterized in that the stop (1) is made of a material with elastic deformation in the range of 2%.

17. LINE (11) FOR AN AGRICULTURAL PLANTER according to claim 13, characterized in that the strain sensor (4) is an extensometer.

18. LINE (11) FOR AN AGRICULTURAL PLANTER according to claim 13, characterized in that the strain sensor (4) comprises at least two extensometers.

19. LINE (11) FOR AN AGRICULTURAL PLANTER according to claim 13, characterized in that the strain sensor (4) is disposed in the recess (6) of the base (2).

20. DOWNTIME CONTROL SYSTEM (30) for an agricultural implement (10), the implement (10) comprising a plurality of rows (11), wherein each of the plurality of rows (11) is equipped with a depth wheel (13), the downward force control system (30) is characterized in that it comprises: a hydraulic actuator (16) disposed in each of the plurality of lines (11); a stop (1) disposed in the depth wheel (13), the stop (1) comprising: a base (2) provided with a stress concentration region (3); at least two strain sensors (4) disposed in the stress concentration region (3); a central opening (5); in which the stop (1) receives a load resulting from the loading on the depth wheel (13); and in which the strain sensors (4) generate a load signal corresponding to the deformation of the stop (1) resulting from the applied load.

21. DOWNWARD FORCE CONTROL SYSTEM (30) according to claim 20, characterized in that the stress concentration region (3) is a recess (6).

22. DOWNWARD FORCE CONTROL SYSTEM (30) according to claim 20, characterized in that the central opening (5) is capable of pivoting the stop (1).

23. DOWNWARD FORCE CONTROL SYSTEM (30) according to claim 20, characterized in that the stop (1) is made of a material with elastic deformation in the range of 2%.

24. DOWNWARD FORCE CONTROL SYSTEM (30) according to claim 20, characterized in that the strain sensor (4) is an extensometer.

25. DOWNWARD FORCE CONTROL SYSTEM (30) according to claim 20, characterized in that the strain sensor (4) comprises at least two strain gauges.

26. DOWNWARD FORCE CONTROL SYSTEM (30) according to claim 20, characterized in that the strain sensor (4) is disposed in the recess (6) of the base (2).

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